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The Process

Bariatric surgery is a permanent change to the body and our Bariatric team must make sure patients are mentally and physically capable of tolerating the procedure. The professionals at the Weight Loss Center follow patients pre- and post-operatively. Prior to the operation, patients will have a tailored pre-op clearance plan.

Patients should expect to lose 60 to 70 percent of their excess body weight after the sleeve gastrectomy procedure. How quickly the weight is lost varies for each patient. They may be able to stop taking medications and reverse conditions such as hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes.

Surgery is only one part of a patient's weight-loss journey. The doctors make sure the operation is a success from the operation standpoint, but the patient plays a crucial role in having a successful outcome. They have to adhere to a diet and exercise regimen.

Patients are given a bariatric manual that offers an in-depth look into the operation itself, including pre- and post-operative care required, dietary plans, medications, exercise, and foods to avoid.

Office Visits


The initial visit may be a class that will cover if you qualify for bariatric surgery:

  • Discuss options and formulate plan
  • Referred to our registered dietitian, GI department, and psychologist
  • Meet with our Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant to discuss sleeve gastrectomy to include preoperative workup, procedure, possible complications, expected results, and how to begin preparing for surgery.

Second Visit:

  • Meet with Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant to address any medical conditions you have and what diagnostic testing will need to be ordered prior to surgery
  • Discuss lifestyle modifications to prepare for surgery
  • Referral appointments needed will be discussed

Third Visit:

  • We will review the results of any lab and diagnostic tests
  • Ensure you’re staying on track with preoperative workup
  • Discussed preoperative diet, preoperative medications, what to expect the day of surgery and postoperative medications

Fourth Visit:

  • Meet with Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant to discuss postoperative diet and supplementation following surgery
  • You will not be scheduled for surgery until we have received approval from your insurance company

Last Visit:

  • Meet with surgeon for pre-operative visit
  • The surgeon will be able to review the procedure, answer questions, and ensure you’re ready for surgery.

Benefits

  • Average of 66% excess weight loss at 3 years
  • Our program average is 55% in 6 months
  • Average waist circumference lost within 6 months post-procedure is 10 inches for males and 8-9 inches for females
  • The average Hemoglobin A1c before surgery was 7.1. After 1 year post procedure, the average decreased to 5.5
  • No significant changes in digestive process
  • Cannot be reversed although it can be converted to other procedure

Possible Complications

  • Gastric leak from staple line
  • Ulcers
  • Dyspepsia (indigestion)
  • Esophageal Dysmotility
  • Fistula (abnormal connections)
  • Pulmonary embolism (blood clots in lung)
  • Delayed gastric emptying
  • Splenic injury
  • Stricture (narrowing)
  • Late Choledocholithiasis (gallstones)
  • Nutritional deficiencies

Post-Operative Management

  • After surgery, you will discharge home the same day
  • Meds: Prevacid, Vitamin Patch, Gabapentin, Celebrex, Eliquis, Zofran and other medications prescribed as needed
  • Clear liquids first 48 hours, full liquids next two weeks, and slow progression to solid foods as directed
  • Return to work in 1-2 weeks
  • No heavy lifting (over 30lbs) for 4-6 weeks
  • No strenuous activity for 4 weeks
  • Vitamin and nutrient supplementation

Long-Term Follow Up

  • Follow-up appointments and laboratory studies are important to your long-term success
  • You will have appointments schedules for 10-14 days, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, 1 year, 18 months, 24 months, then yearly thereafter
  • Labs are drawn every 6 months or sooner if needed
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